AAUP Updates

More than a third of respondents to a survey reported a decline in their academic freedom, while over half expressed concern about teaching "divisive concepts" in recent years following state-level efforts to restrict them. 

The AAUP condemns the reported arrests of two faculty members and three designations of faculty as "persona non grata" at New York University. As the AAUP has maintained since 1940faculty should be free from institutional censorship and discipline when speaking or writing as citizens. 

The AAUP urges the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior College and University Commission not to bend to the political winds by reversing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its standards for accreditation.

The AAUP is thrilled to announce the appointment of Veena Dubal, professor of law at the University of California, Irvine, School of Law, as the Association’s next general counsel. Professor Dubal’s research focuses broadly on law, technology, and precarious workers, combining legal and empirical analysis to explore issues of labor and inequality. Dubal will work closely with the AAUP’s legal staff to pursue AAUP activities, which include advising on higher education legal issues; preparing amicus briefs; monitoring legal developments in higher education around the country; and keeping the Association apprised of new and emerging legal issues that may have implications in areas such as academic freedom, labor and employment law, freedom of expression, and intellectual property rights.

The AAUP stands with Texas faculty associations in protesting the reported censorship of more than 200 courses at the University of North Texas. The reported removal of words such as “race,” “gender,” “class,” and “equity” from undergraduate and graduate course titles and descriptions appears to represent a troubling departure from widely accepted standards of academic freedom and shared governance.

AAUP in the News

Wed, 01/15/2025  |  Associated Press

Sanders’ proposal to fire professors over “indoctrination” drew criticism from civil liberties and faculty groups. Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors, called it a “grossly hypocritical false narrative.”

“Sanders is doing a disservice to Arkansas students by suggesting she will deny due process for faculty with ideas she disagrees with,” Wolfson said. “Maligning a system that is an engine of innovation and bedrock of our democracy hurts Arkansas students.”

Thu, 01/09/2025  |  Inside Higher Ed

The American Association of University Professors gets it. In a recent statement, the AAUP explained why DEI statements need not conflict with, and often fortify, academic freedom. Albeit less of a focus, the AAUP also surfaced why anti-DEI laws—including DEI statement bans—exact a double toll on academic freedom.

Tue, 01/07/2025  |  American Prospect

With power dangerously centralized, the defense of our institutions now hinges on the moral strength of a few wealthy individuals.

That’s a thin shield. Restoring a balance of power on American campuses would be more effective. As our Founders understood, power diffused in a system of checks and balances helps guarantee democracy. Centralized power, on the other hand, is always susceptible to abuse.

Thu, 12/05/2024  |  Connecticut Post

"They think there are too many teachers," said CSU-AAUP president Louise Williams. "We know, if you are a teacher in the system, that we are already overworked and stressed out. You need more teachers, not less teachers in order to really serve our students well."

Thu, 12/05/2024  |  Truthout

"This is not a moment to shrink or back off. It’s a moment to grow and build power," said Todd Wolfson, AAUP president. "We in the AAUP are ready to fight for what we need — fully funded higher education, an end to student debt, and respect for every worker on every campus. This is just one moment in a long struggle. The AAUP is here to remind people that higher ed is the bedrock of democracy."

Tue, 11/19/2024  |  Texas Tribune

“Regardless of their intent, the UNT administration conducted a campaign of censorship of content in more than 200 courses,” said Brian Evans, president of the Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors. “It’s censoring what topics students can discuss and think critically about. In order for students to have the freedom to learn, faculty need to have the freedom to teach.”

Upcoming Events

January 21, 2025

All members can sign up now for an organizing town hall meeting on Tuesday, January 21, at 7–8 p.m. ET / 4–5 p.m. PT. We will hear from Eric Blanc, author of We Are the Union: How Worker-to-Worker Organizing Is Revitalizing Labor and Winning Big and assistant professor of labor studies at Rutgers University.

February 5, 2025

Part of the webinar series "Academic Freedom School: Defending Academic Freedom in Florida." This webinar series is designed to create an ongoing conversation about the threats to academic freedom experienced by faculty in Florida’s public college and university system. Panels will focus on specific examples in Florida and provide useful information for groups organizing around the defense of academic freedom.

February 10, 2025

Register now for our Skills to Win training, which will take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings, on February 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, and 26 from 7–9 p.m. ET / 4–6 p.m. PT. Skills to Win is an organization that helps communities and unions across the country to identify and respond to challenges, while developing greater capacity to make democratic change.

E-mail Updates

 

Announcements

For its 2025 volume, the AAUP’s Journal of Academic Freedom invites submissions of scholarly articles that address the impact of large private donations on academic freedom and the educational mission of colleges and universities. Submissions are due by March 5, 2025.

See open positions and learn how to apply.